SAINT BRIDGET of SWEDEN PARISH Where Christ Is Our Light ———–——————— SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021 ————-——————

SAINT BRIDGET OF SWEDEN PARISH Where Christ is Our Light ———–——————— SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021 ————-——————

sions! As we do every Saturday from 3PM until heard, so Father Federico and I will be present in front of the Letter from the Pastor school building for you to drive-up and The Reverend Jeffrey V. Romans, KCHS celebrate the Sacrament of Reconcilia- tion! What a great way to experience God’s mercy during this holy season! you choose). Your posts may help JOIN US on Sunday, February 21st someone else realize that they are made for another opportunity for Drive- for more too! Thru Communion! DRIVE-THRU LENT 2021: HOLY COMMUNION will be of- JOIN US THIS LENT: fered to our Virtual Family, once ASH WEDNESDAY will be a little again, NEXT SUNDAY, February different this year! THIS 21st from 1-2PM. We are pleased to WEDNESDAY, we will begin Lent be offering another opportunity for with Ash Wednesday, and we will our parishioners who have yet to have Masses with the Distribution return to “in-person” Mass to come of Ashes at 7AM, 9AM by and receive Holy Communion (LIVESTREAMED), and 5:30PM. without even leaving your car! As I announced last weekend, the We will also have the distribution of theme for our Lenten journey this ashes from 11AM until 1PM, and year speaks to the longings of our 3:30PM until 5:15PM in Saint Brid- hearts. We have all struggled dur- get Church. Last year we offered ing the past eleven months in one this opportunity and it was very well way or another with this pandemic received! You are invited to come and that feeling that there has to be during these hours, say a few prayers in These opportunities have been so well more. There has to be more for those quiet, then approach to have ashes ad- received, and we know that many long who lost a loved one and couldn’t be ministered to you. to be able to receive Holy Commun- with them at their time of passing. ion, so we are doing our best to offer it There has to be more than watching Please note that we will be distrib- at least once a month. Holy Mass from our lazy boy chair on uting ashes using Q-tips cotton our smartphone. We want more than swabs in order to avoid any contact It is as safe as we can possibly make it. just staying home all the time. We and make this as safe as possible You don’t even need to leave the want to go out in public, visit our fa- during this time of pandemic. A car! Enter the Church Campus vorite restaurant, go bowling, and have new Q-tips swab will be used for from the Main Street entrance and friends over for dinner. each person, discarded, and buried follow the signs around the Church. in sacred ground in the following These signs will guide you through IF you have had thoughts like these days. This may take a little longer some preparation prayers, then to a during these past months you are than just using our thumbs so station where Father Federico and I NOT alone! That is the longing in please be patient. Thank you! will be, one on each side of the car. our hearts. That longing tells us Roll down the windows and receive that WE WANT MORE because the Holy Eucharist. Please be sure WE ARE MADE FOR MORE! to consume Holy Communion be- Lent is a perfect time to reflect on that fore pulling away from us…then pull reality! In this holy season when we forward to do your prayer of thanks- are called to Turn to Christ we recognize giving and be on your way! the longings of our hearts. We increase JOIN US on Tuesday, February 23rd JOIN US on March 21st from 2-4PM our spiritual disciplines of prayer, fast- for another spectacular afternoon of ing, and almsgiving as a means to a at 6PM, for a Lenten Evening of Kelly Henderschedt, CONFESSION and COMMUN- deepening awareness of our need for Reflection. Archdiocesan Director of Catechesis, ION like we did in Advent! We will Christ in our lives. will be with us to reflect on The Valley have FOUR additional priests here We want you to share with us on Face- of the Dry Bones: what to do when your spirit- to help us celebrate the Sacrament book, Instagram, or Twitter how this uality has gone dry! Kelly has been a pre- of Reconciliation NO MATTER pandemic has helped you realize that senter here before for some of our Par- what the weather is! This time the longing in your heart. What have you enting Circle Ministry evenings and she priests will all be in the parking lot longed for these past months? Share it is a dynamic and inspiring speaker. in front of the school! THIS IS with us using the hashtags on the ban- Don’t miss out! OPEN TO EVERYONE! Enter ner above or email your thoughts to us through Cherry Street and follow the and we can post them for you (with JOIN US EVERY Tuesday of Lent directions of the Knights of Columbus your name or anonymous, whichever from 5-6PM for Drive-Up Confes- who will be directing traffic!

If you are alone in the car you will be able to do a drive-up confession Weekend of February 20 & 21—Feed the Hungry - without leaving your car non-perishable food items for the Cheshire Community Food Pantry Weekend of February 27 & 28—Give drink to the Thirsty If you have more than one in your - beverages (water, juice, coffee, etc.) for the Cheshire Community Food car you will be directed where to Pantry park to enable you to do a walk-up Weekend of March 6 & 7—Clothe the naked confession (please make sure you - new (WHITE) socks for the Saint Vincent DePaul Shelter in Waterbury or onesies for use at Carolyn’s Place remain socially distant for your Weekend of March 13 & 14—Shelter the Homeless safety and that of your confessor). - a monetary collection for the Saint Vincent DePaul Shelter in Waterbury After you have experienced God’s Weekend of March 20 & 21—Visit the Sick mercy on your way out of the - homemade Easter cards to be given to those in skilled nursing facilities or parking lot we will have volunteers our homebound parishioners Weekend of March 27 & 28—Palm Sunday—Visit the imprisoned present who will be able to distrib- - Father Villa, who works with the prisoners in the Cheshire Prison, asked ute Holy Communion to you while for us to purchase a book by Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan called The you stay in the car and after your Road of Hope. He was a Cardinal in the Church who was imprisoned in Prayer of Thanksgiving you can Vietnam for thirteen years and instead of giving in to despair and self-pity, exit on Main Street! Please be he found God in the darkness and remembered that his life had purpose. sure to consume Holy Com- It is a story of hope for those Father Villa serves. The book is $24, so we will have a special basket to collect funds in order to purchase some of munion before pulling away! these books for his ministry. The whole experience will be as Weekend of April 3 & 4—Easter Sunday—Bury the Dead safe as we can possibly make it. - as we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus, we remember our loved ones You don’t even need to leave the who have gone before us in faith. May they share in His Resurrection! car! JOIN US ON FRIDAYS DURING love of God and to fulfill the call of 2020 proved to me that the faith of our LENT FOR STATIONS OF THE Pope Francis to be instruments of mer- parishioners is STRONG! 2020 CROSS! Signup through our website cy in the lives of others. IT’s COVID, proved to me that our pastoral staff to join us each Friday of Lent for Sta- so things will be a little different. It and parish staff have the abilities, the tions of the Cross at 7PM. The Sta- is our hope that each weekend our pa- desire, and the courage to step out of tions of the Cross are a beautiful way rishioners will bring the items and leave the box and try new things! 2020 to reflect on the Passion and Death of them at the entrances to make it easier proved to me that we can proclaim the our Savior Jesus Christ and to come to for our volunteers to collect them after Gospel and live out our parish mission appreciate the great suffering He en- all the Masses. We will not bring them even in the midst of a pandemic! to the altar this year. (see insert above dured for our salvation! You are AMAZING! Thank you for for list of items) JOIN US on our Social Media on your deep faith in the Lord. Wednesdays and Fridays during 2020 Annual Report… Thank you for your trust in Lent as your pastoral staff and fel- Finally, this weekend I am me as your Pastor. Thank low parishioners share with us their pleased to present to you the you for your support of all own little desert experience. During 2020 Annual Report for Saint of us who work and minis- the Lenten journey as we reflect on Bridget of Sweden Parish and ter in this awesome parish how we WANT MORE in life, and we to provide you with a high- each and every day! Thank come to recognize our need to TURN light booklet as you leave the you for your patience, un- TO CHRIST, finding that place in our Mass for you to take home derstanding, and coopera- lives where we can have a desert expe- and read. tion. Thank you for your PHENOMENAL GEN- rience in prayer is so crucial. I am sure I will be sharing some highlights with EROSITY to your parish family during we will all grow as we learn from the you all at the Masses this weekend. experience of others! this difficult year. Certainly, 2020 was a crazy year, a chal- 2020 was a year of blessings for our JOIN US in the Corporal Works of lenging year, but it was also a year of parish family in many different ways, M e r c y ! blessings and grace! That may sound some of which will be clear in the This is al- strange to hear, but really who would printed pages of the report, and others ways such ever have imagined we would be faced that are known only to God. We are a a powerful with a worldwide pandemic that would community of faith, of action, and YES way for us shut the country, the world, down? as a family of hope! This is where the Gospel is Who would have thought, even a year proclaimed and celebrated, where be- of faith to ago today, that we would be thrown lievers are formed and sent to renew reach out into isolation and have to find “other the earth! to others ways” of doing things, even worshiping with the God? continued on page 4 mercy and

SAINT BRIDGET OF SWEDEN PARISH—WHERE CHRIST IS OUR LIGHT SǕ. BǓǊǅǈǆǕ CǉǖǓǄǉ SǕ. Tǉǐǎǂǔ BǆǄǌǆǕ CǉǖǓǄǉ 175 Main Street, Cheshire, CT 435 North Brooksvale Road, Cheshire, CT

The Reverend Jeffrey V. Romans, KCHS, Pastor The Reverend Anthony J. Federico, III, Parochial Vicar Pastoral Staff Mr. Paul Iadarola, Deacon, Senior Status Dr. Richard Wilber, Deacon Sister Patricia Cigrand, A.S.C.J., Pastoral Associate Mrs. Julia Atwood, Music Director Mrs. Donna Yatcko, Religious Education Director Mr. Regis O’Neill, Youth Minister Dr. Nancy Testa, Saint Bridget School Principal Parish Trustees Mr. Mark Izzo ● Mrs. Candace Nesbit Parish Staff Mrs. Madelyn Banti, Admin Assistant Mrs. Mary Beth Chamberlain, Admin Assistant Mr. Regis O’Neill, Admin Assistant for Communications Mr. Anthony Ginnetti, Sacristan

Rectory ...... 203-272-3531 Fax ...... 203-271-3356 Email ...... [email protected] Bullen Submissions ...... oﬃ[email protected] Social Media ...... communica[email protected] Mailing Address ...... 175 Main Street, Cheshire, CT 06410 continued from page 3 To strengthen us for our role as mission- ary disciples I encourage everyone to join us for our upcoming spiritual and social events, so that together we can be strengthened by one another and by God’s Word to truly go forth and bring others to the Lord by our lives. More in- Our collection for the week of February 7th formation on the events and activities will be released as we are able to start offering more. This information will be in our bulletins in the months ahead and Mailed-in/Dropped Off posted on our social media sites as well as on our user-friendly Offertory ...... $16,517.00 website www.stbridgetcheshire.org. Mail your offertory donation to Finally, I hope you will not just focus on the financial report, 175 Main St, Cheshire, CT 06410 but that you will look through this Annual Report and see that we are doing so much as a community of faith. We edu- cate future generations, we gather in groups, we work together to Online enhance our liturgies, and we reach out to those most in need. Offertory ...... $7,107.92 That is what makes us such a strong family of faith! May God bless our efforts in the years ahead. Thank you for all that you do to make Saint Bridget of Sweden Parish such an amazing family of faith. As always, please remember to pray for our parish family and Give Online at ask God’s blessings as we build His kingdom here. Please know stbridgetcheshire.weshareonline.org/ that I am praying for you, and I ask for your prayers for me, that together through the intercession of Saint Bridget of Sweden, our Patroness, and Blessed Father Michael J. McGivney, and united in the Eucharist, we will reflect the presence of Jesus to the world.

Saturday, February 13th 9:00 a.m. SBC Edward LaFrance, Jr.—2nd The Family The television Mass is simulcast Anniversary everyday at 10:00 a.m. on WCCT-TV 4:00 p.m. SBC Richard Schena—1st The Family Anniversary WB20 and WCTX-TV MyTV9. It can 5:15 p.m. SBC Elvira Lupoli Daughter, Laura also be seen Saturday and Sunday at Sunday, February 14th: Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time 5:00 a.m. on WCCT-TV. 7:00 a.m. SBC Martha Barchfeld Rosalie & Bob It can also be viewed online at Fountain hps://www.ortv.org/streaming/ 8:00 a.m. SBC Patricia Rasmussen—10th Mike & Nancy Anniversary Rasmussen streaming.htm 9:00 a.m. SBC Walter Hardisty St. Bridget of Sweden Women’s Society 10:30 a.m. SBC A Special Intention Madelyn Banti 12:00 p.m. SBC Audrey Chamberlain The Chamberlain Family Monday, February 15th 7:00 a.m. SBC John Ploski, Jr. Tony & Joan Ginnetti 9:00 a.m. SBC Marg Rubino and Pasquale & Jerry & Charlotte We have live in-person Eucharisc Mary Errico Devine Adoraon on Friday, February 19th Tuesday, February 16th 7:00 a.m. SBC The People of St. Bridget of Sweden Parish from 1:00 to 2:00 pm in St. Bridget Wednesday, February 17th: Ash Wednesday Church. 7:00 a.m. SBC Joseph Rittell Paul & Corinne Camerato Per State of Conneccut guidelines, 9:00 a.m. SBC School Mass—Bob Hyland His Wife occupancy is limited to 200 persons. 5:30 p.m. SBC Sean Devine Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Appropriate masking and social dis- Mongillo tancing must be followed. Use the Thursday, February 18th 7:00 a.m. SBC Megan Kennedy Karen Kipfer link below to the Sign-up Genius to Friday, February 19th sign up to aend. 7:00 a.m. SBC Catherine Banti The Banti Family bit.ly/Signup-Adoraon 9:00 a.m. SBC Harold O’Connor Peter & Mary Mongillo Saturday, February 20th 9:00 a.m. SBC Richard Cigrand Peter & Mary Mongillo 4:00 p.m. SBC John Judd & Bryant Judd Leslie Paier, Joanne Judd & Family 5:15 p.m. SBC Carolyn Conwell David, Rebecca, Michael & Matthew Jeffery Sunday, February 21st: First Sunday of Lent Drive-thru CONFESSIONS available 7:00 a.m. SBC Armand & Anna Woolf and The Family every Saturday at 3:00pm unl Matthew & Mary Bowman 8:00 a.m. SBC Jack McGowan John & Pat Perrotti heard and on Tuesdays during Lent 9:00 a.m. SBC Francis Minore The Romania Family from 5-6pm. Drive up to the St. 10:30 a.m. SBC Mary D’Amato The Beaudette Family Bridget School entrance and a 12:00 p.m. SBC Jack Mueller The Chamberlain priest will come out to hear your Family confession.

The Tabernacle candle at Tabernacle candle at St. Bridget Church St. Thomas Becket Church shines this week for shines this week for Robert & Dorris Wright Marie Holback—In Living Prayer Requested by Dr. Maria Stack Requested by Kate Carriero

Ready to attend services in person? See be- Not comfortable coming in person? That’s low for services and events you can attend in OK! We have plenty of online services for person, using appropriate masking, social dis- you! See below for this week’s schedule tancing, & occupancy guidelines, of course! and how to join virtually.

This week we are offering the following JOIN US FOR OUR ONLINE SERVICES! Masses in St. Bridget Church: V Sunday, 2/7 at 10:30AM—Celebration of the Mass V Monday—7am & 9am V Monday, 2/8 at 10AM—Getting to Know our V Tuesday—7am Holy Family—a brief talk about Saint Conrad V Wednesday—7am, 9am, & 5:30pm of Piacenza V Wednesday, 2/10 at 10AM—Lenten video V Thursday—7am series “Turning to Christ in the Desert” V Friday—7am & 9am with Regis O’Neill V Saturday—9am, 4pm & 5:15pm V Friday, 2/12 at 10AM—Lenten video series V Sunday—7am, 8am, 9am, 10:30am, & “Turning to Christ in the Desert” with Fr. 12noon Federico To attend Mass sign up at V Friday, 2/12 at 1PM—one hour of Adoration bit.ly/SBoSMassSign-Up V Sunday, 2/14 at 10:30AM—Celebration of the Mass Next Generaon of Disciples high school youth group will meet this Sunday, February 14th, from Online Services can be viewed on the 6:30-8:30pm in Father Frisbie Hall homepage of our website at Rosary every Monday at 1:30pm in St. Bridget www.stbridgetcheshire.org Church on YouTube hps://bit.ly/SBoSYTChannel Adoraon every Friday 1-2pm in St. Bridget Church - or Facebook @stbridgetofswedenparish sign up at bit.ly/Signup-Adoration NOTE: The dispensation from the Sunday obligation Drive-thru CONFESSIONS available every Saturday at previously granted to all Catholics of the archdiocese 3:00pm unl heard and on Tuesdays during Lent by the Archbishop has been extended through Sun- from 5-6pm day, May 23, 2021. Those in high-risk categories are encouraged to continue staying home, even as others begin to return to NOTE: Appropriate masking, social distancing, and occu- Mass. The decision to attend is yours. Please use pancy guidelines must be followed at all services, meet- prudence and good judgement in considering if you ings & events. should attend a public Mass at this time.

Today is the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time The readings for today can be found at hps://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021421.cfm

In today’s Gospel, we continue to hear Mark report the miraculous healings that Jesus performed in Galilee. The Gospel begins with Jesus healing a man with leprosy. Leprosy is a disfiguring, infectious skin disease that has been surrounded by many social and religious taboos throughout history. In 1873, the cause of leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, was identified. We now know that leprosy is caused by a bacterial infection. Although it is infectious, modern medical studies have shown that trans- mission is more difficult than previously thought. Since the 1940s, medical treatments have been available, and the patient no longer needs to be isolated once long-term treatment has begun. In Jesus’ time, however, religious and social taboos dictated the behavior of those with leprosy and other skin diseases. The Law of Moses provided for the examination of skin diseases by the priests, and if leprosy was identified, the person was declared unclean. People with leprosy lived in isolation from the community. They were instructed to rip their clothes and to announce their presence with loud cries when moving in the community. If the sores of leprosy healed, the Law of Moses provided a purification rite that permitted the person to return to the community. In today's Gospel, the man with leprosy took the initiative, approaching Jesus and asking for healing. In doing so, the leper violated the religious customs of the day by approaching a person who was clean. His request to Jesus can be interpreted as a courageous and daring act. The confidence of the leper in Jesus' ability to heal him is evident in the words of his request. But his words can also be read as a challenge to Jesus, asking just how far Jesus was willing to extend himself in order to heal someone. While healing the man, Jesus touched him, which also violated established social norms. This is an important sign of the depth of Jesus' compassion for the man and an important statement about Jesus' interpretation of the Law of Moses. Although Jesus touched the leper, he did not break completely with the Law of Moses. He instructed the man not to tell anyone about the cure and told him to present himself to the priests as prescribed by the Law of Moses. The first instruction sounds nearly impossi- ble to honor. Certainly, the man would want to share the good news of his healing, and his quick improvement would require an expla- nation. The second instruction honors the Law of Moses. Mark's Gospel tells us that after this healing, it became difficult for Jesus to travel freely. There are several possible explanations for this. There might have been concern about the repercussions of Jesus' breach of social and religious norms. In touching the man with leprosy, Jesus made himself unclean. Mark's narrative, however, leads to the conclusion that Jesus' movement was hampered by his popularity. Despite his instructions, the cured man spread the word about Jesus' healing power. Even when Jesus was in deserted places, people sought him out in search of his healing. www.loyolapress.com

For more informaon to beer understand the readings, go to bit.ly/3rPH7RV

Services Mass with Ashes in St. Bridget Church—7am, 9am, and 5:30pm (Mass reservaon required; go to bit.ly/SBoSMassSign-Up) Ashes Distribuon in St. Bridget Church—11am-1pm and 3:30pm-5:15pm (reservaon not required) Ashes will be distributed using Q-ps coon swabs in order to avoid any contact. A new Q-ps swab will be used for each person, discarded, and buried in sacred ground in the following days. In addion, masks and social distancing is required.

Apologetics 101: Religious Submission This week, Father Federico and Regis discuss the respect and reverence Catholics owe to the Holy Father. We live in a divided world. It seems the country and the Church have split into two camps. Many parishioners have shared their struggles with the teachings and style of the current Holy Father, Pope Francis. In order to be Catholic, we must assent to the authority of the Pope. This can be difficult when a person in good faith struggles to understand the decisions or statement the Pope is making. Here is what the Church teaches about the disposion Catholics must have toward the Pope, from the Profes- sion of Faith: - “Moreover I adhere with submission of will and intellect to the teachings which either the Roman Ponff or the College of Bishops enunciate when they exercise their authenc Magisterium...” And from Lumen Genum, 25: - “This religious submission of mind and will must be shown in a special way to the authenc magisterium of the Roman Ponff, even when he is not speaking ex cathedra.” * In other words, we owe the Pope the intellectual benefit of the doubt because he has been cho- sen by God to lead the Church. This does not mean the Pope is perfect. We must love the Pope, even if we don’t like him or if we disagree with him. This will not be easy for some. And yet, this is at the heart of what makes us Catholic. We also owe the Holy Father the respect and reverence his posion as the Vicar of Christ on earth deserves. All Catholics should pray for the Pope, especially when they disagree with him. We should ask the Holy Spirit, who connues to lead and guide the Church, to give the Pope the grace he needs.

Youth Ministry Regis O’Neill, Youth Minister [email protected] 203-233-8489

Upcoming Events Verse of the Week Happy Valentine’s Day! The Next Generation of Ephesians 6:10 Disciples high school youth group will be hosting “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in our next Faith in Film movie night this Sunday, His mighty power.” February 14th, from 6:30-8:30pm in the Fr. Frisbie Hall at St. Thomas Becket Church. Pizza and drinks will be provided. All high schoolers are Saint of the Week welcome to join us! We hope to see you there. Saint Conrad of Piacenza Feast Day: February 19th Bio: St. Conrad of Piacenza was born to a noble family in northern Italy, and married the daughter of a nobleman as a young man. His young life was marked with tragedy, as he inadvertently started a forest fire while out hunting. An innocent peasant was blamed for the fire, tortured to a false confession, and sentenced to death. Conrad saved the man’s life by confessing his own guilt. Shortly thereafter, Conrad and his wife separated to both join religious life. She joined the Poor Clares, and he joined a group of hermits following the Third Order Rule. He had a reputation for holiness that attracted many visitors, so much so that he fled to a re- mote part of Sicily. He lived the last 36 years of his life there, praying for himself and the rest of the world. Conrad died kneeling before a crucifix. St. Conrad of Piacenza, pray for us!

“Ministry of Hope and Healing” Bereavement Support Group

A 9-week Bereavement Seminar will begin on Thursday, March 4, 2021.

The group will meet from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Saint Bridget School Library. The seminar provides hope, healing and support for participants while they adapt to their loss. The group is guided by trained facilitators as participants journey from grief to healing. It is based on the belief that sharing and talking about one’s thoughts, feelings and experiences in a safe situa- tion with the support of others in similar situations is one of the most helpful ways to move beyond the pain that is caused by the death of a loved one. Registration is necessary. To register please call: Joan @ 203- 271-2372 or Sr. Patricia @203-272-3531 Ext. 1312 Please note: Appropriate masking and social distancing will be followed.

During the month of February, family and friends can shop from the comfort of home to support our school! Go to hps://www.nysaints.com/?orgref=224C4F5F97FF and 25% of your order will go directly to St. Bridget School.

My daughter’s first teaching job was in an inner city school district. Despite all the challenges, she truly loved teaching. Due to budget issues at the end of the year, resource teach- ers were placed in classroom teaching posions. Unfortu- nately, my daughter lost her teaching posion since she was the most recent hire. She was very disappointed to say the least. She was told that they would try to find another posion in the district during the summer. My daughter decided to take this opportunity to apply for teaching jobs in other school districts. That parcular summer, I had the beauful statue of Mary from our Ladies Guild. I prayed every day in front of Mary that my daughter would find a teaching job that was right for Prize-A-Day Drawing her. It was a long, stressful summer for my daughter with Calendar many applicaons, interviews, and phone calls. There were two weeks le before the start of school. It was August 15th, Starng March 1st, a name will be drawn each the Feast Day of the Assumpon of the Blessed Virgin Mary. day and the winner will be contacted. I was geng ready to go to church when my daughter re- Each entry will have a chance to win gi cards, ceived a phone call. She was offered a teaching posion in prizes or cash EACH day! the school and grade she had always dreamed of. We were both so totally amazed. Apparently a teacher had suddenly OVER $2,600 WORTH OF PRIZES!!! resigned because she relocated to another school district. There is NO limit on prizes won! Truly, my prayers had been answered and I do believe that Mary had a special role in making that happen. My belief in $20 per calendar or 6 for $100 the power of prayer was again renewed. What a blessing! Go to www.stbridgetcheshire.org/events -Anonymous for details on how to purchase a chance to win.

Principal: Dr. Nancy Testa St. Bridget School Director of Campus Ministry: Mrs. Judy Rowinski Update

Miss Lavallee’s 6th grade Mrs. Normand’s Pre K 4 classroom door decorated class working on STEM for our Catholic Schools acvies for ﬁne motor Week Classroom development and Decoraon Contest problem solving

Excerpt from the SBS Gazette # 4 St. Valentine’s Day - A History by Allison Fowler More than 1750 years ago, love was though he knew it was dangerous. seen today at the Whitefriar Street illegal. Enter a Roman priest named Eventually, Roman soldiers caught Carmelite Church in Dublin, Ireland. Valentine. At the time, Rome was on, and arrested Valentine. He was There are, in fact, three Saint Valen- engaged in several unpopular wars sentenced to be executed on February tines, all of them martyrs, recognized under Emperor Claudius II. The Em- 14th. While in jail, he befriended his by the Catholic Church. One was a peror did not have enough soldiers to jailor’s daughter and always signed priest in Rome, one was a martyr in fight for him, because many men did off his letters to her “From your Val- the Roman province of Africa, and not want to leave their wives and entine,” a phrase we still use today. one was a bishop of Interamna (now families. He issued a law stating that After his death, he was canonized a Terni, Italy). They all share the same marriage was illegal so that he could saint and his feast day is February feast day. recruit more soldiers. 14th. Relics of him were kept in the Whomever St. Valentine was, he still Valentine loathed this law. He decid- Church and Catacombs of San Valen- wanted to spread love to everyone - ed to marry couples in secret, even tino in Rome, and some can still be even at the cost of his own life.

Office of Religious Education — Donna Yatcko, DRE [email protected] 203.272.6504 Monday – Friday 8:30 am to 1:30 pm Religious Education Schedule Grade 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 Confirmation Program Virtual Family Meetings 9th grade Sunday, March 7th at 9 AM Virtual Class Monday, March 8th at 4 PM and 5:30 PM Sunday, February 21st at 5 PM Tuesday, March 9th at 4 PM Sunday, March 7th at 5 PM

th First Communion Classes 10 grade Virtual Class Virtual Class Sunday, February 21st at 8:30 AM Sunday, February 21st at 5 PM In Person Class In Person Class Sunday, March 7th at 8:30 AM Sunday, March 7th at 5 PM

Middle School 7th and 8th grades Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Virtual Class Virtual Class Sunday, March 7th at 10AM Tuesday, February 23rd at 4PM Sunday, April 11th at 10AM Tuesday, March 9th at 4PM

Ask Father Dear Father: Did Saint Paul ever meet Jesus while he was alive on earth? Mercy High School 2nd Quarter Honor Roll Dear friend in Christ, High Honors Honors He sure did! Saint Paul was born in what is now known as Turkey, Ava Arcesi Mary Kolodziej about 700 miles from Jerusalem. He was born around the same Ashlyn McMahon-Egan Abigail Weaver Elana Puszka me as Jesus. We know they did not meet each other during Samantha Strell Jesus’ life on earth but a few years a er Jesus’ death and resur- Charlene Weaver recon, Paul met the Lord on the road to Damascus: Megan Whalen Then Saul, sll breathing threats and murder against the disciples Xavier High School of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked leers from him to 2nd Quarter Honor Roll the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were High Honors Honors of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound Francesco De Vivo Colby Ciampi to Jerusalem. As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and sud- Braden Downey Jake Gesseck denly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the David Houle Perry Mackey Alvin Nellik Michael Mahon ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you Mario Pugliese Rory McCormack persecung me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” Then the Robert Quan Peter Mercugliano Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecung.” So he, trem- Peyton Mongrain bling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do you want me to do?” John Strell Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” Acts 9:1-6 The Cheshire Knights of Colum- bus will be collecting food for the That encounter changed the course of history as Paul went on to Cheshire Community Food Pantry become the greatest evangelist the world has ever known! at all Masses this weekend.

Cheshire K of C KNIGHTS KORNER by Harold Metz, Council Trustee

Grand Knight, Jason Molitierno —[email protected]

Our Supreme Knight Receives the PRO LIFE LEGACY Award (from K of C KNIGHTLINE) Supreme Knight Carl Anderson has advocated for the dignity and rights of unborn children for more than 50 years. These decades of work for the pro-life cause were recognized Jan. 29 when the March for Life Education and Defense Fund honored him with its 2021 Pro-Life Legacy Award. March for Life President Jeanne Mancini presented the award during the organization’s annual Rose Dinner, held virtually this year. “No one has done more to advance the pro-life cause than Carl Anderson,” Mancini said. “He is a true pro-life warrior, and his work and tireless dedication to the cause is an example to us all.” In accepting the award, Supreme Knight Anderson said, “All of us have our own reason why we are part of this great pro-life cause. For me, it’s best summed up by the saying, ‘Whoever saves one life, saves the world.’” Under Supreme Knight Anderson’s leadership, the Knights of Columbus has become a preeminent defender of life in the United States and in many countries around the world — through education, advocacy and various charitable initiatives. But Anderson’s pro-life advocacy began long before he was elected supreme knight in 2000. Supreme Knight Anderson worked in government and public policy in the 1970s and ’80s and held several positions in the White House under President Ronald Reagan. During his years in Washington, he advocated strongly for pro-life policies, such as the Hyde Amendment, and helped develop the Mexico City Policy — which barred U.S. foreign aid dollars from being used to promote abortion overseas. Anderson also served for nearly a decade on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. In addition, Supreme Knight Anderson is a member of the Pontifical Academy for Life, appointed by Pope John Paul II in 1998 and reappointed by Pope Francis in 2017. He has served as a consultant to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities since 2002, and Pope Benedict XVI appointed him as a member of the Pontifical Council for the Family in 2008. In his Rose Dinner remarks, the supreme knight urged the pro-life movement to remain committed to four foundational principles: justice, truth, democracy and compassion. Justice is possible only when laws are based on truth, he said, noting that the U.S. Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion throughout the country in 1973, is rid- dled with “falsehoods and misstatements of history.” Ultrasound technology reveals the truth that Roe v. Wade denied, he added. “Modern ultrasound technology confirms in an extraordinary way what we knew in 1973 — and even long before,” Anderson said. “Ultrasounds allow every mother to experience the living reality of her child.” On Jan. 22, 2009, the 36th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, Supreme Knight Anderson established the Knights of Colum- bus Ultrasound Initiative to bring this experience to as many mothers as possible. Since then, K of C councils have donated more than 1,300 life-saving ultrasound machines to pro-life pregnancy centers throughout the United States, and Supreme Knight Anderson has called the initiative “the greatest humanitarian achievement in the history of the Knights of Columbus.” In his Rose Dinner remarks, the supreme knight also expressed confidence in the American democratic system to right the wrong of legalized abortion. “No matter how entrenched, no matter its claim to stability, in America no unjust law is sustainable,” he said. “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was right: The arc of history may be long, but it bends towards justice.” Roe v. Wade is not settled law, he continued, pointing out the strong bipartisan consensus to significantly restrict abortions, as revealed by the Knights of Columbus/Marist Poll — a sur- vey of public opinion on abortion conducted annually since 2008. Finally, the supreme knight praised the pro-life movement for its compassion and generosity Supreme Knight Carl to vulnerable mothers and children. “The strength to offer a helping hand and the courage to Anderson (middle/right) love another — especially when that person is in need — is often hidden from public view, on the March but it is nonetheless very real. A culture of compassion and love quietly permeates the pro- life cause. It is the wellspring from which all else flows.” Although many challenges remain, the supreme knight expressed hope in the ultimate goal of moving America “toward justice, toward compassion, toward life.” “Each of us, way back from the beginning of the pro-life movement, has known we are on a lifetime’s journey,” he said. “The direction of that journey does not bend. It does not wa- ver, though sometimes, it may slow down. But in the end, our pro-life journey has a destination and that, my friends, is victory.” To learn more about the Knights of Columbus’ pro-life programs, go to: https://www.kofc.org/en/what-we-do/faith-in-action-programs/life/index.html

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Captain Cassandra Andrea USAF LTJG Derek Molkenbuhr, US Navy Captain J. Michael Andrea USAF LT Marisa Molkenbuhr, US Navy SRA Garrett Barboza, USAF LTJG Trevor Molkenbuhr, US Navy Major David B. Beale, US Army Senior Chief Petty Officer Pasquale Moreland, US Navy Specialist Alan Bell, US Army Corporal Ginamarie Mazzucco, USMC Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Betts, US Navy Lance Corporal Kathryn Mazzucco, USMC Lieutenant Kevin Briskin, US Army Airman First Class Anthony Nero, USAF ENS Michelle Browning, US Navy Lt. Christopher Nguyen, US Army Sergeant Brian Caouette Specialist Eric Normand, US Army Captain Leslie Ann Capuano, USMC Chaplain Philip O’Neill, USAF Lieutenant Hollis Ann Capuano, US Navy Captain Denis L. O’Reilly, USMC Seaman Apprentice Robert Carrano, US Coast Guard Specialist Christopher Paier, US Army Natl. Guard Private Jack Cavanaugh, US Army PVT John Pastore, USMC Tech Sergeant Edward J. Clark, Jr, USAF Private Matthew Planinshek, USMC SRA Aaron Desjardins, USAF LTJG Jake Patrick Reid, US Navy Specialist John Fadus, US Army Private Quianna Rios, US Army STS-1 Jake Ford, US Navy Petty Officer First Class Matthew J. Sansone, US Navy PFC Owen C. Fowler, USMC Captain Ryan Satterfield, USMC Lt. Colonel Mark Christopher Glenn, US Army Lt. Ellie Marie Senft, US Army Private Alyza Hernandez, USMC Captain Jack David Senft, US Army Petty Officer 2nd Class Martin Houston, US Navy SRA Myron Simpson, USAF Cdr. Thomas A. Ianucci, USN, Chaplain Private 1st Class Kevin Stevens, US Army SRA Ryan Jones, USAF Captain Alexander James Topitzer, US Army Petty Officer 2nd Class Neil P. Kenefick, US Navy Captain Matthew Neil Topitzer, US Army Ryan Kiernan, US Navy Captain Ryan Van Wie, US Army AWO2 Kyle (DeVylder) Kohl, US Navy Private 1st Class Connor Valinsky, US Army Lieutenant Jared Korn, US Coast Guard Senior Airman Joe Villano USAF Sergeant Gregory J. Kowalski, USMC Corporal Bernard Vitti, Jr., USMC Airman First Class Benjamin M. LeClerc, USAF LCpl. Matthew Voelker, USMC MA2 Tiana Lefebre, US Navy Airman Mark Zajac, Jr., USAF Petty Officer 2nd Class Brian McGrath, US Navy If yyouou hhaveave a namename toto placeplace on ourour UU.S..S. MilitaryMilitary prayerprayer lilist,st, pleaseplease contactcontact MMaryary BeBethth iinn ththee RectoryRectory at 220303-272722-35353131 oror [email protected]@stbridgetcheshire.org withwith thethe nnamesames ooff fafamilymily & ffriendsriends whowho areare onon activeactive dduty.uty. PlPleaseease provideprovide namename andand branchbranch ofof service.service. In thisthis waway,y, ourour wwholehole pparisharish communitycommunity cacann helphelp bbringring tthemhem homehome ssafelyafely by oourur prayers.prayers.

203-699-9226 175 Sandbank Road, Cheshire, CT St. Bridget of Sweden Women’s Society is awarding two Thank you for your continued generosity with donations to $1,500.00 scholarships. Applicants must be parishioners the Cheshire Community Food Pantry. We gratefully accept of St. Bridget of Sweden Parish who are graduating from any donations, but this week we have a particular need for: high school and are about to continue their education at -tuna -canned beets, spinach & carrots institutions of higher learning. -frosting -cat food -toothbrushes The award is based on St. Bridget of Sweden Parish com- -paper towels -toilet paper -cleaning supplies munity service, a life that exemplifies Christian values, and Please note that the Food Pantry: an acceptable academic record. Application forms are - Cannot accept expired or opened items available beginning February 4, 2021 on the website at - Cannot use large industrial canned goods www.stbridgetcheshire.org/events, - Can accept perishable goods only during Pantry hours - Hours are M-W-F 9:00am-12:15pm; T-Th 3:00pm-6:15pm at the Cheshire High School Guidance Office - Monetary donations should be sent to: Cheshire Community or email Joan at [email protected]. Food Pantry, P.O. Box 457, Cheshire, CT 06410. Students must submit the completed application to the Thank you for your continued support of the Cheshire CHS guidance office or St Bridget of Sweden Parish Office Community Food Pantry and for helping by March 12, 2021. our fellow neighbors!

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